Arenberg Castle HEVERLEE in LEUVEN / BELGIUM description:The Arenberg castle is an example of tradional maconry and
sandstone 16t century architecture. It is in fact made up of a mixture of
late Gothic and Renaissance elements fromm the beginning
of the 16th century.
The founder was Wilial of Croy (died in 1521), followed by Filips II
of Croy (deceased 1549).
The 16th century pearspire carry imperial eagles.
Count Charles II of Croy (deceased in 1612), was responable for the moats around
the castle in 1600. it was also him who added the park, and the lane
towards Louvain.
In 1612, Charles I of Arenberg inherited the castle via his wife Anna of Croy. he
added an aisle.
The gate dates from 1768. In 1876-79, a neo-Gothic
chapel was added.
Louis Englebert of Arenberg (born in 1750, deceased in 1820) was
named 'the blind count'. Howoever, he was a great protector of Art and Sciences.
Professor J.P. Minckelers, the inventor of coal gas, found the necessary support from
him. So it was no coïncidense that the first baloon on coal gas got into the air from
the square in front of the castle.
His successors had the same love for sciences, and in 1916 Count
Engelbert Maria de Arenberg gave the castle along with the 29 ha parc to the
University of Leuven.
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